Led by CEO John Venetos, MD, IPACO is comprised of 130 independent physicians, and was recently approved by the Center for Medicare Services to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, effective January 1, 2013. An additional 50 physicians have contacted IPACO and expressed interest in joining.

"It is time for independent physicians to unite and take the lead in the movement towards accountable care. This is a mission for which we are truly passionate," Dr. Venetos said.

"This unique model of independence will ultimately enable us to negotiate various ACO-type contracts with commercial payers, thus allowing the best performing hospitals to earn market share, and thereby resulting in higher quality care for our patients."

Venetos added, "We have vetted virtually every niche solution in the market and Imperium's experience, expertise and capabilities are unmatched in helping us achieve our objectives of optimal costs, superior quality, improved health, enhanced patient satisfaction, and full physician engagement, while remaining 100% payer neutral and having the ability to work with all hospitals."